Princess Omowunmi Adegbesan Odusote, the proprietress of Princess Omowunmi Nursery and Primary School, situated at 7, Omowunmi Odusote Street, off Gbasemo Road, Aga, Ikorodu, has assured the community that her newly established school would pursue qualitative education at affordable fees in order to contribute her quota to the development of the country.
While speaking during the official commissioning of the school, held in the school premises on Saturday, April 16, 2016, she said that the new school would provide qualitative education to children at the crèche, nursery and primary classes. According to her, Arabic, Bible and evening classes would be part of the services the school would be offering immediately a new session begins in September.
Mrs. Odusote Adegbesan also pledged to produce top rate, morally and academically sound students during her welcome address. In her words, “I, Princess Omowunmi Adegbesan Odusote, strongly believe in a standard and qualitative education at affordable fees and these inspired me to set up this school. I equally want to have an indelible landmark on the students by ensuring that they compete both at the local and international levels through quality education.”
“This project could not have been possible without the help of the Almighty God and people’s support, especially my father, mother, brother and sisters. I know that there is a lot of schools in this country, but this one will be unique in style and services.
We established it to provide credible academics to people. The fee is relatively cheap that both the poor and the rich can have access to it. I really thank the people of Ikorodu, my parents and brothers, Kabiyesi and his Oloris. I have been living abroad since 1983, when my father became the Oba. I thought of what to give back to the community, where I was born; so I established this school to provide good education. I will act on advice given to me by people to move the school forward,” she said.
In an interview with Oriwu Sun after the event, the proprietress explained that she did sponsor orphanage homes in Nigeria twelve (12) years ago, which she started by sponsoring four adopted orphans, which number later increased to nine (9) orphans. “I do send money to them from abroad to further their education. That gives me courage and inspiration to establish this school for the benefit of all Ikorodu indigenes. The school fees is relatively affordable by an average Nigerian. Reduction of school fees is the gift I want to give back to the community. Also, I will run charity organisations within the school. There will be enough equipment, and only enrolled pupils in my school will benefit from my charity campaign. The school will provide qualitative academics and morals for the pupils in the school,” she noted.
The proprietress further stressed that she will employ well-trained and qualified teachers that will inculcate good values and morals into the children and won’t tolerate bullying among the pupils but rather counsel them to be better and reliable citizens of their country.
According to the proprietress’ father, His Royal Majesty FRA Adegbesan, Oputubuja of Itasin Imobi Kingdom, “She has stayed in the UK for so long and she decided to come back to her society. Many people do not know what they are supposed to do whenever they come back home. She is a good daughter, who is a lover of knowledge. She has not done it because of financial reward; rather, she did it to contribute her quota to the development of her country by rendering qualitative education. I know she will make sure the school becomes a great one, and I know she is capable of doing it. I just pray for God’s support in all her endeavours.”
Also speaking at the event was the proprietress’ friend, Mrs. Seyi Ojikutu a.k.a Olori Ojikutu. “I came all the way from London to witness this development. Princess Omowunmi’s plan to provide good education facilities is a good one, especially for developing a country like Nigeria. I think with her experiences from abroad, she will improve the standard of education in Nigeria and she should endeavour to maintain a good educational standard for more patronage from people,” she stated.
The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Shakirudeen Olorunnibe, a retired Teacher and ex-Chairman of teachers in Ikorodu, expressed his gratitude while speaking with Oriwu Sun. “The step Princess Omowunmi has taken is a very commendable one and needs to be appreciated because she has established the school not for the purpose of making money but to create credible education for both the poor and the rich. This, indeed, is a gift to the community. Half payment of school fees for the first set of pupils for two years is a sign that better things are coming from her,” he envisioned.
The King of Alayandolu Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Oba Asumo Aderibigbe, also commended the effort of the proprietress. “I am first of all honoured to be here. I am happy for her because the proprietress is like a sister. I know she wants to give back to the society with this school establishment. I will implore her to infuse what she has acquired overseas into the Nigerian curriculum. At the same time, I will advise her to study the people she will work with because she is coming from a different environment. She needs to be tolerant,” he said.
A retired teacher, Alhaji Adebayo, commented on the proprietress’ zeal to contribute to her society’s development. He said, “I was invited to this programme by a friend, who is also a retired Teacher. I got to know how respectful and humble the proprietress is today. This has gone a long way to describe who she is and the zeal she has by coming all the way from the UK to provide quality education with modern facilities for the society. I wish her the best of luck and I’m honoured to be here.”
The evangelist at the event, Superior Evangelist J. O. Alabi (JP), also appreciated the proprietress’ new school project. “This development is so welcoming in order to help our people because education is the fountain of knowledge. I want the public to enroll their children in this school as the proprietress has assured us that the fee will be affordable. Even with the reduction she has started with, it will no doubt attract people,” he noted.
The Imam of Ishara Ijebu, Remo, Ogun State, Alhaji Ayegbami, also encouraged the people of Ikorodu to patronize the new school in order to compliment the good notion of the proprietress.
The event had in attendance, royal Fathers, cabinet Chiefs, religious Leaders, retired Teachers, Mrs. Adegbesan’s associates and other well-wishers.